Food has always been more than just sustenance – it is a bridge to new cultures, a storyteller of traditions, and a universal way of connecting with people. In recent years, it has gone from being an enjoyable part of travel to a central motivator in choosing where to go. The numbers tell the story. The Pak tourism market is expected to grow at an impressive annual rate of 17.1%, from US$1,160.7 billion in 2024 to more than US$5,627.2 billion by 2034. Travelers are not just interested in tasting popular dishes; They’re eager to roll up their sleeves for cooking classes, wander through bustling food markets, sip wine in sunlit vineyards, or even forage for ingredients in the woods. Each meal becomes a narrative – a window into a region’s heritage, its people and its way of life.
Culinary tourism is not only about tasting the food but also about the stories and ecosystem behind it.
According to Sandeep Arora, Director, Brightsun Travel, India, here are the top places to experience culinary tourism in 2025:
Italy
From the creamy risottos of Milan to the world-famous pizzas of Naples, Italy is a feast for the senses. The vineyards of Tuscany invite wine lovers, while the Amalfi Coast serves fresh seafood paired with stunning sea views. For a truly elevated experience, go to Osteria Francescana in Modena, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that is consistently ranked among the world’s best. Italy’s food culture is a perfect blend of history, passion and farm-to-table traditions that make every meal unforgettable.
Japan
Few places in the world take food as seriously as Japan. Whether it’s tasting sushi prepared by master chefs in Tokyo, savoring ramen at cozy local eateries, or experiencing the delicate art of tempura, Japanese cuisine is all about precision and balance. Tokyo alone has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city, but the culinary magic extends across the country, from Osaka’s vibrant street food to Kyoto’s sophisticated kaiseki cuisine.
Thailand
Thailand’s culinary scene is as dynamic as its landscapes. In Bangkok, roadside stalls draw crowds with dishes like pad thai and tom yum soup, while Michelin-starred restaurants take Thai flavors to new heights. Phuket, with its beachy charm, offers everything from fresh seafood to hands-on cooking classes. Be it the taste of spicy curry or sweet mango sticky rice, Thailand is a festival of bold, unforgettable flavours.
France
France remains a symbol of culinary excellence. Paris attracts with its pastry shops, cheese shops and bistros, while the vineyards of Burgundy and the olive oil farms of Provence invite you to delve deeper into regional specialties. For a unique experience, take a cooking class at a Loire Valley château or explore the gastronomic capital Lyon, where classic dishes like coq au vin come to life. France is a place where food is celebrated as an art, making it a must-see for any culinary traveller.
Chhavi Chadha, founder of Bespoke Tailormade Experiences, also shares some of the locations:
- Vietnam, for street-food lovers:
The culinary culture of Vietnam is a harmonious blend of fresh herbs, spicy flavors and regional diversity. From the bustling street food markets of Hanoi to the sophisticated royal cuisine of Hue, Vietnam offers an exhilarating experience for food lovers.
• Must try: Steaming pho in Hanoi or banh xeo (crispy pancake) in Saigon.
• Must Visit: The floating markets of the Mekong Delta for exotic fruits and local delicacies.
• Experience: Take a cooking class in Hoi An to master making Cao Lau noodles.
2. San Sebastian (Spain) for the best Michelin-starred experiences:
This Basque city is synonymous with culinary excellence, with one of the highest density of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita. It is a paradise for gourd lovers seeking fine food and pintxos (Basque tapas).
• Must try: Local favorites like gilda or anchovy-stuffed peppers in the old town
• Must Visit: Arzak or Mugaritz, two of the world’s top restaurants.
• Experience: Visit local cider houses for hearty Basque meals paired with artisan cider.
3. Puglia, Italy, for lovers of the slow life:
Puglia’s culinary identity is rooted in simplicity, farm-to-table freshness and a Mediterranean lifestyle.
• Must try: Orecchiette with cime di rapa (turnip greens), fresh-pressed extra-virgin olive oil in a traditional messeria.
• Must Visit: Bari to taste raw fish, a local delicacy.
• Experience: Stay in a restored trullo (traditional Apulian stone house) and enjoy a private farm-to-table dinner prepared by a local chef.
4. Lyon, France, for gastronomic excellence like no other:
Known as the birthplace of French gastronomy, Lyon offers a rich culinary heritage, ranging from Bouchon-style comfort food to fine dining experiences.
• Must try: Quenelles (creamy fish dumplings) and coq au vin in traditional bouchon.
• Must Visit: Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market for artisan cheeses, pastries and charcuterie.
• Experience: Take a wine tour in the nearby Beaujolais or Côtes du Rhone regions.
5. Goa, for Indian coastal flavours:
Goa’s cuisine reflects its Portuguese heritage, vibrant spice markets and coastal abundance.
• Must try: Vindaloo or zakuti paired with locally sourced feni.
• Must Visit: Fresh fish auctions can be seen every day at the local fish market.
• Experience: Spice plantations to learn about the region’s rich spice trade history.
Culinary tourism has emerged as a significant driver for modern travellers, providing a comprehensive way to connect with the culture, history and soul of a destination.
